Licorice 80

Make certain to find DGL or "Deglycyrrhizinated" Licorice Root Extract, which is available from health stores. Taking two pills a day can cure acid reflux.

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WARNINGS! (2)

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Posted by K (Phoenix, Az) on 06/16/2011

[YEA] I had terrible acid reflux a couple years ago. Went to the doctor and she prescribed some medication. When I asked how long I had to be on it, she said she didn't know. Apparently some people are on for life. I never filled the prescription. Instead I did some research and in addition to dramatically reducing my soda intake I started taking chewable (saliva enhances the effectiveness) DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Research and you will find several articles saying DGL cures ulcers! Take it 20 minutes prior to eating each meal (up to 3 times/day). I went from having acid reflux every day-all day to seldom if ever. I no longer vomit stomach acid in the morning and I am able to eat spicy foods again. I also don't have to take it before every meal anymore. I only take it before I eat spicy foods.

Two last things, if you don't like licorice, they do have German Chocolate flavored DGL which helps to disguise the flavor. Secondly, if you have high blood pressure, make sure you buy the kind that has the glycyrrhizin compound (associated with high blood pressure) removed.

Replied by Zark Emerald City, The Land Of Oz 03/18/2014

[YEA] Yes, I was using Licorice tea and drinking it with my meals. It did help (Rutin was better though).

[YEA] Why drink an acid to cure a stomach acid problem? I have severe Grastric Reflux and have suffered for the last three years. I have tried everything, believe me. I am currently taking medication, which helps, but I still can't walk a hundred yards without thinking I am about to have a heart attack. I have been known to throw up becuase the acid gets so bad. Laying down is a nightmare. My Doctor even sent me for an Angiogram just to makesure I didn't have angina, guess what, my hearts fine, but my stomach isn't. I try to avoid any foods that I know cause my acid to flare-up, I eat healthy, I even gave up smoking, which help a great deal. I have shares in a well known ant-acid company from the amount I have to buy, not that they really do any good when it is this severe. But nothing has been able to stop the pain I feel every single day. However, that changed. What I have found that helps is liquorice root which you can buy from any herbalist. I have been using it for the last few days and I feel so much better. Last night I went to bed and got to sleep straight away and didn't wake up with a sore throat. I have been able to eat without the desire to be sick afterwards. My walking has improved too. I can't wait to tell my doctor next week. Next I am going to add natural silicon to my diet, which I have been told will help repair the damage that is being caused by the acid.

Replied by GerdGuy Yokohama, Japan 04/16/2009

[WARNING!] I did further readings about Liquorice and I find something significant on its toxicity. I hope this helps, so be extra careful.

Toxicity - Excessive consumption of liquorice or liquorice candy is known to be toxic to the liver and cardiovascular system, and may produce hypertension and oedema. There have been occasional cases where blood pressure has increased with excessive consumption of liquorice tea, but such occasions are rare and reversible when the herb is withdrawn. Most cases of hypertension from liquorice were caused by eating too much concentrated liquorice candy. Doses as low as 50g daily for two weeks can cause a significant rise in blood pressure.

Replied by Lynn G Columbia, Maryland, USA 04/17/2009

To Denise in Huddersfield, UK. I'm glad to hear that licorice extract has helped your acid reflux symptoms. However, I believe that eliminating any "disease" condition is best done by changing and optimizing your diet with eating foods that help you and don't hurt you. Taking herbal remedies or prescription drugs treat only the symptoms and do not affect the underlying cause(s) of your problem(s).

I have written several posts today as responses to others' posts about acid reflux, so I won't repeat myself again. Please think seriously about trying a gluten-free diet for at least six weeks. I know that most people don't want to take on such a drastic step, but when you're sick enough of the acid reflux and of the side effects of prescription drugs, you should then be open to seriously addressing the actual cause of the "disease" condition.

One last thought, most NHS doctors in the UK are the same as the ones in the USA--they are focused entirely on eliminating symptoms with drugs. So, don't expect your doctor to be thrilled with any improvements that you will gain with drug-free options! (The doctor will be just as happy to see your back-side going out the door because there are many more patients in the waiting room to get their own 5 to 10 minutes with the pill-pushing doctor.)

Replied by Joyce Joelton, Tn 04/18/2009

To Denise from Huddersfield, UK:

Hello Denise, to answer your question "why drink acid to relieve an acid stomach problem" I will borrow some information gleaned from an alternative MD named Jonathan Wright. According to Dr. Wright the problem is not too much but too little hydrochloric acid, and if this is true then drinking an acid should relieve it and from most of the correspondence from those who have tried it, I have to side with Dr. Wright as to the cause.

However I got rid of the acid, along with the bloat, constipation, flatulence, and outright peptic ulcer flare ups 4 or 5 times per year, when I stumbled on the fact that spicy foods were not the problem, but anything made with bleached flour always brought on the misery. At first I wondered about the gluten in wheat causing it, but when I started eating bread again I found that whole grain products caused no problems, but bleached flour did, a few other things like any acid foods (tomatoes, citrus juices, etc) from a memtal can brings on the acid regurg misery. As long as I stay away from the above, life is a whole lot more enjoyable and has worked for me for the last 40 years or so. I don't know what they use in the bleaching process that causes the problem, but I do know that eliminating bleached flour eliminates the problem, and without ever being treated for the bug that modern day orthodox medicine says causes peptic ulcer disease.

By the way, don't expect your doctor to be overjoyed to hear that a patient has found a way to relieve the problem without his help, because doctors don't like patients who think they are smarter than he/she is and also don't like the prospects of his income decreasing because you no longer will be visiting for your former chronic complaint.

Another thing to think about, do check your blood pressure periodically because licorice candy is said to elevate blood pressure in those who eat a lot of it, and if it does then licorice root might do the same.

Replied by Mike R Houston, Tx 09/15/2011

I have tried many remedies for GERD and have researched licorice root as a cure. The catch is that normal licorice or candies also contain high levels of glycerin and sodium which will most certainly also cause or risk a higher incidence of blood pressure issues.

HOWEVER, GNC sells an extract pill form of licorice without these ingredients, it is called "De-Glycerinated Licorice" or "DGL", food supplement. IT WORKS! It will repair the esophagus and correct the GERD in a few days. It can be taken in small doses pretty much forever with no side effects. If you are so inclined, licorice flavored liquors (Anisette, Ouzo) also work in a similar way as a digestive aid after a meal, but take in small doses for obvious reasons!

This can be combined with any other methods, but as always, best to avoid or limit the spicy, fatty foods. I have also found that a high protien diet and low carbs works for me in the same way. Best of luck!

[YEA] acid reflux: 9.99 for one hundred. It's a Herbal supplement called DGL LICORICE. 1 in the morning and one in the evening. Take the whole bottle. after that I take one pill about 4 or 5 times a wk. End of problem.

[YEA] I developed acid reflux and ulcers due to stress in my job. I did not read anyone having stress induced acid reflux. This developed in 1986 and I still have it.

I have taken tagament to Prilosec with varying degrees of result. When I took Prilosec I was told it was only for 30 days and then never again. That was in 1997 and of course that was not true.

The worse thing is when contents of my stomach decide to go up my throat and into my lungs when I am sleeping. It does not matter what I eat, how much, or when I still get these scary episodes.

I have not tried vinegar for this but use it for hiccups. I figure it shocks the system. When I know my stomach is going to be a problem I eat saltine crackers (baking sode is in them), eat yogurt, and drink lots of water. Sometimes it really helps, sometimes it only minimizes the discomfort, or I wait until my digestive system has moved along any food.

One thing I have learned is to try avoiding drugs if you can and that each person really is an individual which inclues our bological systems.

Having lived in Europe a lot of my life I found black licorice made in Germany helps my acid reflux too. It is not like what is found in the United States. Moms often give it to kids with stomach aches. I happen to like and have my German friends mail it to me.

Has anyone else ever used black licorice for acid reflux? It is a natural drug free treatment.

I wish good health to everyone.

Replied by Patricia Ottawa, Canada 04/11/2008

Love this site! Thanks to Frank R. for the tip about black licorice - have a German Deli that sells it - assume you mean unsalted? Have a friend just moved here from Australia who told me that they commonly recommend sucking on "natural glucose" lolli-pops for reflux.

[YEA] DGL (licorice supplements) Important to use dgl and not just licorice, which can raise blood pressure. Cured my acid reflux. Immediately got rid of acid reflux symptoms with the first tablet. Still working pretty well, but it seems to also be important to discover food sensitivities for ongoing cure. It's ongoing use of 800 milogram ibuprofen contributed to acid reflux.

[YEA] I haven't had an issue with acid reflux until this past weekend when I over-ate (mostly thick chunks of bread) at a dinner party on Friday night. 3 hours later I had intense burning and pain in my upper right intestinal tract, just under my liver/gallbladder. When the pain and burning spread to my entire upper intestinal tract and didn't ease up after 48 hours, I decided to research some home remedies for gastritis. I ended up buying chewable DGL (licorice root extract) at Whole Foods last night... I knew it was great for healing ulcers, why not gastritis?! I chewed two tablets and within 30 minutes, the burning and pain had stopped. Today I am almost back to 100% (just a slight sensation of burning). I hope other people will give this supplement a shot for acid reflux. DGL supports the lining of the stomach and intestinal tract. One more thing -- Licorice Root Extract raises blood pressure, but DGL is licorice root extract without the compound that raises blood pressure -- glycyrrhizin -- so you can take it every day supposedly, 20 minutes before a meal.

Replied by Sherry Longview, Washington 08/12/2008

[WARNING!] Licorice (the herb not the candy) cannot be taken safely for very long. It causes high blood pressure. I have found licorice root in diet teas and women's remedy teas used as a dieretic. Taken any longer than 6 days or so can cause health issues. I made the mistake years ago of drinking a dieter's tea after my evening meal for over a year. I had never had a problem with high blood pressure before but after a year on that tea my blood pressure sky rocketed and I felt horrible. As soon as I stopped the tea my blood pressure went back down to normal.

Replied by Katie Chicago, IL 09/02/2008

[YEA] I have had moderate success with DGL wafers. It is the glycyrrhizic acid that is the cause of most of the side effects of licorice, including high blood pressure. Therefore, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) which has had the glycyrrhizic acid removed is thought to be much safer. As with any herbal, exercise caution and seek the advice of a medical professional who has experience with herbs.

Replied by Deb Cb, Ia 12/19/2009

Deirdre, I can't believe reading someone else has the same problem I've experienced since the Dr put me on thyroid medicine in 2002 after radiation for Graves Disease. Never had all the problems I now have before the thyroid medicine. Jumped from Dr to Dr trying to figure out why the severe burning pain in the liver/gallbladder area (most Dr's didn't have an answer after running test after test & people acted like I was crazy to complain of such a severe pain there), had my gallbladder removed in '98. One Dr finally told my I had acid reflux and allergies but I didn't think it could be since I had never had heart burn! I recently had an Endoscopy & Colonoscopy confirming I have GERD, diverticulosis and gastritis. I've been on ALL the meds for reflux only to have too many side effects and then quit taking them due to little to no relief and most of them causing my blood pressure to rise and feeling worse(never had hypertension before these meds and only having it while taking them). I've tried the ACV, teas, papaya, etc. I'm going to try the DGL with caution, we are only given one body and I don't want to cause more problems trying to cure it! BTW cutting down on salt intake has helped ease the burning pain! Thanks! Deb

EC: Hi Deb,

Yes, DGL is fantastic. I still have the same issue when I eat too much bread and it's been very helpful from time to time. Also drinking more water during the meal and after. I started recently to take potassium iodide after someone mentioned it on the site and it's turning out to be an amazing tool for digestion and weight loss. That tells me there is a thyroid link too!

Deirdre (now in Atlanta)

Replied by Joyce Joelton, Tn 12/22/2009

Question for Deb & Deirdre:

Hello Ladies,

Did your blood pressure rise before or after you started the licorice root extract for the acid regurg? The reason I ask is we were told in a physiology class that eating licorice would cause your blood pressure to rise.

Also, as stated many times before, getting rid of bleached flour got rid of my gastrointestinal problems including the acid regurg or GERD. Why take something to relieve the problem if you can avoid what causes the problem?

EC: Hi Joyce, no. DGL licorice extract did not cause a rise in my blood pressure because it does not contain glycyrrhizin (the compound that causes a rise in bp). That's why it's a great supplement!

Liver Cleanse, ACV and Baking Soda 10

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YEA (1)

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Posted by Amy (Merrit Island, FL) on 10/31/2007

[YEA] I did Dr Clark's liver cleanse, not only cured my acid reflux but cured my diabetes 2, my bursitis. I have completed 4 liver cleanses and still getting better with each one. after years of aliments and sickness I am getting well. also I am loosing weight. I have started a veggie diet and I wanted to boost my PH levels for pain and well being. I tried juicing but could only get my levels to 7.5.. the Apple Vinegar and baking soda got my levels where I want them 8.7. thank you no pharma crap!

Low Carb Diet, Hcl 00

Posted by Ck (Cincinnati, Oh Usa) on 05/06/2011

I have been getting some relief by combing a controlled carbs diet with HCL and other digestive enzymes. I have learned a lot from the following site and would urge all to visit and read the extensive information presented. He does not sell digestive products or aides.

Lugol's Iodine 10

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Posted by David (Huntington Beach, California, USA) on 01/04/2009

[YEA] Hi, I'm a Chiropractor of over 22 years. I want to add a cure that I got from reading Dr. Donsbach, D.C.

My wife and I found as we got older that we were both starting to have digestive problems and really bad acid reflux at nite. The wholist concept is acid reflux is due to NOT ENOUGH acid! You can confirm if this is the case by taking a tablespoon of ACV when you are getting it, if it stops it, then you are LOW in acid.

The next step in the wholistic approach is to take digestive enzymes and HCl to substitute for the low acid. I always thought this isn't getting to the root problem of WHY isn't the body producing enough acid anymore. This is where Dr Donsbach came in.

He discussed that the body needs IODINE to produce the stomach acid. That made sense in that since becoming a Vegetarian, I don't get much seafood and I keep my salt intake down.

and began taking 2 drops a day in a glass of warm water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, monday through friday with the weekend off. My wife did the same. Sure enough within a few weeks my digestion is back to where it was as a teenager, and acid reflux is gone! My wife had the same results as well as a friend that tried it.

If you go to take the iodine, first make sure you aren't allergic. I think a drop on the inside of the wrist or arm and see if it gets swollen or itchy, is a good test. After that, if no reaction, then you can start with one drop in water and see how that effects you. If you have no problems then you can proceed to the 2 drops.

I've been trying to get this information out there, because when people take antacids and medicines that decrease acid production in the stomach, it greatly limits the bodies ability to digest the food,and starts a process that ends up greatly harming your health.

If the word can get out about this cure, it will help millions to improve their health for less than a penny a day and prevent them from ruining their health as they are trying to help it.

Magnesium Chloride 20

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Posted by Diane (Boston, Ma) on 10/26/2009

[YEA] Hi - I had to post about this remedy that I discovered - Magnesium Chloride (in liquid form) 2 teaspoons 3 times a day completely gets rid of all my acid reflux symptoms. It's amazing! I actually started taking magnesium chloride at my naturopath's recommendation for sleep (and it does help me to have a good night's sleep and makes me feel more relaxed as well).

[YEA] There is a case where the Acid reflux remedy DOES NOT work using the baking soda remedy or any alkaline remedy, regardless of whether it is baking soda, sodium citrate, or potassium citrate. The remedy that works the best is simply the magnesium chloride. The dose I have found to be about 250-500 mg taken three times a day in one warm cup of water. The magnesium was designed to protect against the toxicity of the excitotoxins, which occur from monosodium glutamate, aspartame, aspartic acid, for example. It's effect in relieving the acid reflux is almost instant upon taking the first dose, but almost a complete stoppage of acid reflux may occur after three days to seven days. In event there is a vitamin B deficiency some additional stopping of acid reflux may occur with just once a week of B50 taken only a couple of times. This is one of the fastes acid reflux remedy I have found. An addition of clove oil one drop stirred in a 1/2 glass of water will also help in a few cases.

Mango 10

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YEA (1)

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Posted by Sherry (Moreno Valley, California) on 01/13/2009

[YEA] hi, i have acid reflux for 4 years, and what help me is eating a mango a day or when i feel the acid reflux active. I do not take any medication for acid reflux at this time i use to take nexium, but the mango does just as good without the side effect.

Mangosteen Juice 20

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Posted by Ray (East Nortport) on 05/05/2006

[YEA] After an great dinner and two apple pie and vanilla ice cream I went to bed. I woke up at 1 AM with some moderate heartburn. I drank 1 oz. of Mangosteen Juice and by 1:15 I was able to lay down without any pain. It worked better than Alkaseltzer.

[YEA] i'am currently trying the mangosteen remedy (very expensive Xango). The xango is helping me with everything. i had bad headaches, no energy dry skin back aches, toe nail discoloration, smoke too many cigarettes and the list goes on. I feel 500 percent better. although i think i am going to try the apple cider remedy. i was reading the part (nays, i believe) where the people where getting sick or not working or whatever and i wanted to let people know that everyone's bodies are different and every person may need a different dosage. if a person gets sick from a remedy they need to start off with a lower dosage and work their way up. the body cannot deal with a new strange thing entering and taking over. healthy for you or not. introduce yourself and work your way up. some people need to start off twice a week for a couple of weeks then add more and more to your diet until you met your needs. some people every other day and so on and so forth. don't give up and good luck!

Mastic Gum 20

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SIDE EFFECT (1)

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Posted by Cl (Morrow, Ca) on 02/06/2012

I have been dealing with acid reflux, acid indigestion and gastritis on and off for years. GI docs put me on Prilosec then Prevacid after scopies where they saw erosion and hiatial hernia. The Prevacid gave me a life threatening intestinal infection of C. Difficile. Mainstream medicine knows little of this and thinks you only get it from antibiotics. After a year of recovery from the c. diff (and loss of 45 lbs in six weeks) my acid reflex and terrible acid burning came back.

H.pylori is a very common intestinal bacterium that most docs overlook as well. The antibiotic treatment is terrible and many do not kick it with this and become sicker. The tests (stool, breath) for h. pylori are unreliable.

I am now treating acid reflux and for h. pylori naturally with Mastic (sometimes called Mastic gum).

Also taking digestive enzymes (Digest by Transformation) before meals and made major nutritional changes to get PH balanced. You can buy the little strips to test urine PH at health food store. This is essential.

Seeing an excellent licensed naturopathic doctor has helped me enormously with this. There is so much more to tell but not enough time or room.

Please do not believe the mainstream line on this and avoid PPI's, OTC antacids, prescriptions, etc!!!!! These things exacerbate the problem.

Two good websites are: Weston Price foundation and Cure zone for more info.

Be and get well naturally!

Replied by Mary Arcadia, Ca 05/15/2015

[SIDE EFFECTS] I started to take Mastic Gum after having an episode of vomiting for 3 days straight couldn't even keep down water. After it stopped I developed very bad Panic Attacks. I went to see my natural doctor and she said, "we better give you something to help heal your stomach issues first" I was told to take Mastic Gum.

It affected me badly by raising my blood pressure to 188/113. It wasn't great before that but never that high. I started to take Oregano oil lets see what happens to me next. I will keep you posted thank you. Mary

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